Both Barrels May 2021

How did Opening Weekend go?

It was another Opening Weekend of beautiful weather and pleasant conditions.

We had teams of rangers visit the Lake Benmore, Twizel, Omarama and Waitaki River areas.

We encountered plenty of satisfied hunters who generally had a successful Opening Weekend.

Many hunters commented on their poor shooting skills attributing to lower bags than their opportunities presented.

Above Right: Cohan Ryder and Thomas Gornall hunting near Twizel on Opening Day' credit Rhys Adams.

A great reminder to pre-plan some clay bird shooting for next April.

Several offences were detected including four hunters on a pond at Twizel hunting without a licence and two of them also using lead shot over water, and one offender detected near Omarama hunting without a game bird licence.

What’s the harvest survey saying?

Calum Dean, Ryan Harrington, Shane White and Ethan Tuffley':credit Rhys Adams

Thanks to all those hunters who responded to our game bird harvest phone surveys.

The numbers stack up to a ‘good’ 2021 Opening Weekend.

On average local hunters harvested 12 mallards, 2 parries for the weekend.

For all waterfowl that was a harvest rate of about 3 birds for every two hours spent hunting.

Practically every hunter went home with at least 1 bird for their efforts; less than 1% of hunters harvest no birds at all.

Outlook for June

Rodney Herrick and spaniel Ash out hunting in the Waitaki Valley-credit Rhys Adams

A fair few hunters put away the gun after Opening Weekend but the reality is that June can be a great month for game bird hunting.

With a bit of effort to locate birds before the hunt, it’s not unusual to find better hunting action than what Opening Weekend offers.

Get your binocular to work and do some scouting, your efforts should pay off.

Rowboat hunting

Hunting is illegal from any boat being mechanically propelled, and that includes stalking or unduly disturbing birds.

However, powerboats can be used to travel to your hunting spot.

After Opening Weekend, hunting can be undertaken from unmoored/unanchored rowboats.

This type of hunting is known as ‘drift hunting’ and can be done moving naturally with wind, currents, river flow, or being propelled by paddle or pole.

Drift hunting must be undertaken with utmost care as your firing zone will need constant re-evaluation (Rule 5 of the seven firearms safety rules).

Looking for a place to hunt?

CSI Fish & Game own and administer hunting at four wetlands.

In just a few easy steps, you can hunt these wetlands.

These wetlands are balloted for Opening Weekend.

After opening weekend these wetlands can be hunted by all licence holders, provided you obtain a permit and if required, contact the landowner prior to hunting.

Click here to Jump on our website check out the wetland maps and info.

While there, save a permit application form, fill it in and email it to us, or alternatively get in direct contact with the office.

CSI Fish & Game contacts: email csi@fishandgame.org.nz or phone 03 6158400.

Check out this YouTube video of what is on offer at our Fish & Game Wainono Wetland Reserve.

Fish & Game Magazine

If your Fish & Game magazine didn’t make it to your letterbox you can read it now online – click here

Ducks are yum

Ducks are yum and you can prepare and cook them in so many delicious ways.

Our YouTube channel has some great info to help you get the basics right and then try out some exciting dishes.

To start check out our - how-to pluck a duck video here.

Then progress to the kitchen with these recipe ideas: The best breast, Thai red curry, Duck schnitzel burgers and the high and fast roast mallard.

Bon Appetit!

Hot Barrels

Rhys Adams, Fish & Game Officer